Monday, July 6, 2009

"The Castaways ... They had all washed up on the shores of Nantucket, and they had stayed and made it their home. They had found each other. Everyone agreed it was the right name." - The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand

Four Nantucket couples. Their lives unusually intertwined. One tragic accident. Mourning and sadness all around. Guilt and mystery. Friendship. That pretty much sums up The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand. The cover may look all happy and serene but inside the pages you'll find a tangled web of affairs, deceit, marital discontent, depression, death and despair. It's a summer read full of cloudy, tumultuous skies.

Who are the "Castaways?" They are four couples: the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes and Wheelers. Over the years, they become really good friends. You know, almost a love rectangle times two (plus one, a student named April) with the classic "grass is always greener on the other side" scenarios. The rectangle gets completely thrown out of kilter when one couple, Greg and Tess MacAvoy, sails out to the Vineyard for their anniversary, hoping to patch their marriage back together, trying to leave behind the rumors that Greg had an affair with one of his students, April Peck. Instead, their boat capsizes and they drown. Their friends are left in a state of shock after the deaths and they all struggle to deal with unanswered questions and their own grief.

Elin Hilderbrand is known for her riveting Nantucket summer reads, many of them bestsellers. The Castaways releases on July 7th. This is the first book by Hilderbrand that I've read. To be perfectly honest, usually I'm not really drawn toward books mired in affairs and the related complexities involved in such situations. I must say that I had a hard time believing that four couple's lives could become quite so intermixed. However, I found Hilderbrand's depictions of how each character handled stressful events intriguing. Her characterizations seem very real--the group dynamics even more so as each person plays a specific role within the "rectangle." I was also pleasantly surprised by the suspense in the book. I never lost interest while reading it.

Hilderbrand tells her story in an interesting way, through her characters. The chapters alternate between the six bereaved friends, each one recounting details from his or her own point of view, each one reminiscing about past events and expressing present feelings. The mystery surrounding the drowning and the relationships between the characters drive the plot. If you are looking for an emotion filled book packed with plenty of drama, scandal and some soul-searching, you'll want to read this one.

To enter, please answer the following question: In your opinion, what location would make the perfect setting for a summer/beach novel? Or, leave any comment relevant to this post. Thanks!

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We spend 2 weeks in nantucket every year. I see these books in all the shops. I read Elin's latest and loved it (one sister was battling cancer at the beach). Thanks for the great giveaway. Would love to take this on my next trip!

I love the East Coast and think that Maine would be the perfectlocation for a beach novel. But one location I think even would top that is a beach at Hull, MA. There's some gorgeous spots at Hull and some fabulous Bed and Breakfast facilities.

I subscribe to you and I twettered youThanks for the amazing giveaway!!!We have the most wonderful small town swimming holes(that's what the kids call them) So I thinks any Small town swimming hole would be very romantic and close to every-ones heart.Shawna Lewisweloveourdogs@juno.com

Clearwater Beach FL! Its beautiful there, the sand is white, the water is clear and a beautiful blueish/green its like a paradise! Thanks for the chance to read this book. unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com

Whidbey Island off the Washington coast just west of Seattle. There are actually several islands there and the weather is much milder than on the mainland. The summers are great and there is a lot of wilderness. You can rent a cabin that is far away from anyone else. I love it there. No crowds, no traffic, just peace and tranquility. And if you want the big city for the day, it is just a ferry ride away.We actually fly from Alabama to Seatle to enjoy the islands there instead of Florida which is overcrowded and over heated. rebecca dot cox at charter dot net

I collect books from coastal locations I just love settings like that because it's my favorite place to go!! I love stories that take place on the islands, which technically i'm happy with just the beach setting also!!photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net

I'm happy to see this giveaway (and now have this book on my "gotta read" list)! I read Hilderbrand's "Barefoot: a Novel" last year and LOVED it! She really makes you know the characters and has great story development. Am hoping this book is the same!

I would have the novel set locally...our park is quite nice and I have two teens (15) whom I reg drop off down there for the day...usually pick them up around 1am - I know of places where you'd not even allow your child to play in their own yard, let alone have them unsupervised all day long...it would be a perfect setting :)

About Me

Brimful Curiosities is a mom blog/book blog featuring reviews and posts on children's books, music, educational products, toys and more. It's home to the weekly "Full to the Brim" Kid's Book Giveaway List. Occasionally it includes non-children related product and book reviews and personal postings.